Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in the Starved Rock area of Illinois, Grizzly Jack's is an oasis of relaxation and adventure - a destination where water park fun meets natural wonder. Escape from the big city and enjoy a vacation in the scenic Northwoods at Grizzly Jack's - an unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends.

Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.

On the bluffs of the Illinois River, this small but charming park is home to an enormous outdoor sculpture. Mounds representing five earthen sculptures molded from Illinois clay, known as Effigy Tumuli, invite visitors to walk around and explore. All five subjects, including a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and insect are native to the Illinois River area. This State Park offers the ideal terrain for the beginner hiker.

The Illinois River slices a 273-mile long path through the state—its waters lapping along the shores of many cities, including LaSalle, Peru, Peoria and Ottawa to name just a few. It’s in Ottawa where the Illinois River meets Buffalo Rock. Buffalo Rock sits like a sandstone island above the surrounding land and the Illinois River, and offers sweeping views of this famed waterway. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, you’ll experience the shear power of the winding river that was carved by glacial melt water in all its seasonal colors, with its various incarnations of forests, wetlands, bluffs and prairies to enjoy.

Starved Rock State Park has a beautiful East Hike that offers canyons galore, each with slightly different shapes, sizes and colorings. At 6.4 miles of dirt terrain, this hike is moderately difficult. Cool, shady and overgrown with ferns, the canyons offer a plethora of trees and flowering plants—a true delight to explore. You’ll also encounter scenic overlooks 100 feet above the Illinois River. The real crowd pleasers at Starved Rock are the numerous sandstone canyons that were carved deep into the bedrock as upland streams drained into the Illinois River. Some noted canyons of worth to explore are Kaskaskia Canyon, Ottawa Canyon and Hennepin Canyon Overlook.

The Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center has several interactive displays, free videos on the park, hiking maps, and more. Trailheads Concessions & Gifts, also located here, is a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and snacks (fresh fudge, too)! The Visitor Center and Trailheads are open year-round.

Starved Rock State Park West Hike offers a decidedly different set of attractions than its eastern counterpart. On this hike you’ll encounter a series of overlooks from wooded bluffs and rocky cliffs high above the Illinois River. This 2.9-mile hike varies in difficulty due to the large amount of stairs that need climbing. The dominant feature of Starved Rock can be found on this hike, via a narrow bluff that runs 4-miles along the south branch of the Illinois River. The park’s namesake towers 125 feet above the river, offering commanding views of the nearby islands and river. Some notable excursions include, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Pontiac Canyon with sweeping views of the Illinois River.

The Belle of the Rock paddle boat tours are located at historic Starved Rock state park in Utica, Illinois (just 80 miles west of Chicago). In addition to the river tours, we provide canoes and kayaks. Call us today at 815-434-9200 to make your reservation.

Bring your family out to our 65 acre site for a day of fall fun! Open from mid-August through November, enjoy the horse drawn hay rides, kid's activity area with a barn, bale pile, tractor cab and more. Pick your own apples or stop in the store and visit the bakery for apple donuts, pies, caramel apples, fresh baked bread and fudge. Jonamac Orchard is your family's fall tradition.

Kuipers Family Farm is a 230 acre entertainment farm. U-Pick Apple Orchard September thru October. Orchard Store is open thru Mid December offering apples, pasteurized apple cider, our famous cider donuts, home baked pies, cream & butter fudge & country gifts and goodies. Have we grown a challenge for you at The Amazing Maize Maze open weekends only thru October. U-Pick Pumpkin Farm Mid September thru October features Scarecrow Acres where customers can enjoy hay wagon and pony rides, the Haunted Forest, a petting corral and much more down-on-the-farm fun! U-Cut or precut Christmas Trees Nov. thru Mid Dec.

The Illinois River slices a 273-mile long path through the state—but it’s in Utica where the Illinois River meets Starved Rock State Park. With 18 canyons, and sandstone bluffs for four miles, Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ treasured nature habitats. On your journey down the river, your eyes will never tire from all the wildlife that call the river home. From Black-crowed heron, river otters, Western ribbon snakes, even bald eagles. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, you’ll experience the shear power of the winding river that was carved by glacial melt water in all its seasonal colors, with its various incarnations of forests, wetlands, bluffs and prairies to enjoy.

Explore the fabled canal route that connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois River. Once used by Native Americans and early explorers, today the trail meanders through four state parks with landscapes ranging from towering bluffs to rolling hills. Modern-day explorers can enjoy hiking, boating and even snowmobiling.

Bea Gurler was nine years old when her father George moved his family into the house in 1893. Her cousins, the children of her father’s brother Henry, had been living since 1888 in the Ellwood Mansion. Everyone said it was magnificent. Bea’s parents George and Zillah, evidently shared a taste in homes that favored the elegance of simplicity. It was the unimposing yet dignified structure on Pine Street–where the back door was always open. George and Henry Gurler were both prominent businessmen, and joint owners of a number of dairies. They quickly became world-famous and respected by many dairy farmers. Bea eventually made it a goal of hers to renovate The Gurler House to be the home that she once new and loved. The Gurler House hosts an annual Folk Music Festival every summer, where people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. While you are at The Gurler House, make sure to take a walk through their beautiful garden.

River Bluff-Effigy Tumuli Trails in Buffalo Rock State Park offers a unique hiking experience high above the Illinois River and around the massive earthen sculptures of the Effigy Tumuli. Clocking in at 3-miles this easy to moderate hike will be a sight you’ll want to see. The River Bluff Trail is a great way to experience the Buffalo Rock landscape. Buffalo Rock sits like a sandstone island above the surrounding land and Illinois River. The park features oak and hickory woodlands and an expanse of restored grassland where the Effigy Tumuli rise.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition presents 16 Interpretive Gazebos along the Lincoln Highway, a 179-mile National Scenic Byway in Northern Illinois. The DeKalb gazebo offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn the significance of the highway in DeKalb while enjoying stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its other Illinois communities.

Malta is home to the "first seedling mile" on the Lincoln Highway. As one of the 16 Interpretive Gazebos located along the Lincoln Highway, the Malta gazebo offers a unique way for visitors to enjoy stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its Illinois communities.

The Illinois River slices a 273-mile long path through the state—its waters lapping along the shores of many cities, including; La Salle, Peru, Peoria and Ottawa to name just a few. It’s in Ottawa where the Illinois River meets Buffalo Rock. Buffalo Rock sits like a sandstone island above the surrounding land and the Illinois River, and offers sweeping views of this famed waterway. On your journey down the river, your eyes will never tire from all the wildlife that call the river home. From Black-crowed heron, river otters, Western ribbon snakes even bald eagles. In some spots you’ll traverse tight canyons with tall rock formations on either side, and in other areas you’ll share the river with barges and commercial boats. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, you’ll experience the shear power of the winding river that was carved by glacial melt water in all its seasonal colors, with its various incarnations of forests, wetlands, bluffs and prairies to enjoy.

Honey Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated orchard that was started as a hobby by Hawken Askelson in 1965. Today, the original orchard location has 2,100 apple trees, with an additional 500 trees at a second farm location. What started out as a simple farm stand has grown to include pick your own apples, raspberries and pumpkins, honey from Honey Hill's own bee hives, a bakery, the Apple Barn Country Store and some old-fashioned family activities. In addition to providing customers with quality products, Honey Hill Orchard gives families a chance to spend a relaxing time on the farm and create some great family memories and traditions.

Shabbona Lake State Park has 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318 acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.

The Amboy Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is 272 acre of wetlands offering a rare and fragile ecosystem, which includes endangered turtles, many birds and unique plant life. It is located near the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and Mormon Road about 3 miles south of Amboy. Open to the public 7 days a week for walking and bird-watching. No dogs are allowed due to sensitive plant and wildlife.

Described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is a challenge to both the beginner and the seasoned golfer and is recognized by many players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country. The Club House offers a friendly atmosphere and includes a Pro-Shop, full service bar & restaurant with panoramic views of the Course and outdoor patio.

Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!

Experience the best of autumn and Christmas at Larson’s Family Farm. Fall features include pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds and squash. Hayrides and bonfires available on October weekends. Harvest decorations and antiques for purchase in the Barn Store. U-pick Christmas trees, handmade evergreen wreaths and lengths of roping available in winter. Enjoy a steaming cup of hot apple cider and shop the Barn Store for antiques and Christmas decorations. Contact the farm for special event and farm tour information. Lasting memories are made at Larson’s Family Farm!

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Cortland mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Cortland and the other communities along the Illinois route.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Malta mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact in Malta and on the communities in Illinois.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The DeKalb mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on DeKalb and the other communities along the Illinois route.

More than a campground, hit a ball, take a lesson, catch a fish or hayrack ride, swim, dance, hike row/paddle a boat, play basketball, horseshoes, video games and pool or kickback with a campfire. We have 130 acres to do it all.

Located 2 1/2 miles west of Annie Glidden Road on Route 38 in Dekalb, Illinois. The nine-hole, par 34 facility features a gently rolling course on 53 acres surrounded by farmland. Soothing views of pine trees and beautiful fields make the experience a pleasure and prevent worries about errant shots hitting homes nearby. Water features are promenant on holes number 2 and 3 and a meandering stream through the course provides ample challenge. Thinking of an outing or a family reunion? You can rent the whole facility at a reasonable price for a few hours or the whole day. Besides access to nine holes of golf and carts, "The Pines" offers fishing in their ponds, a large outdoor barbeque and plenty of space for horseshoes, volleyball, or bag games.

River Heights Golf Course is an 18-hole facility that winds along the banks of the Kiswaukee River in DaKalb County, offering a challenging mix of traditional and links-type holes for the weekend player or serious golfer.

For those with an urge to explore a genuine Illinois prairie, this ride takes you past one of the largest pieces of preserved prairie in the state. The Rock River Cruise is 34.7-miles of moderate difficulty, with a few small climbs along the way. Stop off and visit some of the many attractions along the way, including the John Deere Historic Site and the charming town of Oregon.

Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails, horseback riding, fishing, and limited hunting. The site contains the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill and a 180-acre dedicated nature preserve.

Since 1981, Theis Farm Market has been providing high quality, exceptionally great tasting local produce. Family owned and operated, they take pride in their work and are constantly striving to meet new demands by delivering even better tasting produce and higher quality products. They started out with a wagon by the road full of vegetables. Greenhouses came as a necessity for the starting of our field plants. They decided to do a few flowers for fun and that quickly turned into the place to go for top quality beautiful bedding plants, including Barb's original mixed planters and baskets. Now they have bedding and vegetable plants starting in the spring following through to summer with ripe tasty vegetables and into the fall for pumpkins, squash, gourds and all your other fall decorations. They always carry fresh eggs, homegrown popcorn, honey from the bees on their farm, syrups and jams from slack's. May1st-October 31st Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm Sundays and Holidays 10am-5pm Closed: July 4th

Kauffman Turkey Farms is one of the last remaining independent family owned and operated turkey farms with its own dressing plant in the country. Providing fresh dressed turkeys to the Northern Illinois area for over 80 years. These big, beautiful tom turkeys are some of the thousands that are range grown here on the Kauffman Turkey Farm. The turkeys are grown from one day of age until they are dressed in the farm's federally inspected plant. They raise their birds with the emphasis on quality. This means that the turkeys grow more slowly and develop a richer flavor and denser texture.

Located in the center of campus, the Hotel at Holmes offers the convenience of meeting spaces, restaurants, recreation, and more—all under one roof. We are also within walking distance of downtown DeKalb and a 5-minute drive to the NIU Convocation Center. The Hotel at Holmes is DeKalb’s only high rise hotel with magnificent views. Did you know….The Hotel at Holmes offers 78 rooms and suites including three executive suites on the 15th floor along with seven full floors of hotel rooms? We are open to students, faculty, and the general public. Meeting room available for up to 2,200, NIU Huskie Den with bowling and pool tables on site.

Chicago Golf and Tiki Tees course commands some of the finest views of Dekalb open space and trails. The facility features a challenging 9-hole championship golf course. Its beautiful, mature and lush foliage and trees complement the manicured greens, tees and fairways. Combined with its exceptional course design, golfers of all skill levels return time and again to play. There is also a Club House, Tiki Bar for outdoor events, and indoor banquet hall for up to 160 guests.

Windy City Soaring Association is a non-profit organization (club) dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of soaring (flying sailplanes aka gliders). Based at Hinckley Airport (0C2) in the friendly village of Hinckley.

The Fairways Golf Course is a serene 18-hole golf course designed by Perry Maxwell, ASGCA, which is open to the public and cherished by those in the Rochelle area since 1929. We are host to immaculate tree-lined fairways and an exceptional restaurant, Beacon on The Green, for lunch, dinners and banquets.

We are a diverse, modern farming operation located in the heart of Illinois farm country with state of the art facilities and equipment. We can arrange tours and have banquet and meeting space for groups and weddings.

Knutson's Country Harvest is located in Newark, Il. We have pies, (made from scratch) baked or frozen. Jams,Pickles, honey, etc. Our u-pick orchard includes strawberries, blueberies, apples, peaches and many other fruits and veggies.

Shady Oaks Country Club offers a unique and challenging 18-hole layout where accuracy off the tee and accurate approach shots are rewarded. At 6,212 yards from the tips, Shady Oaks doesn’t “appear” to be difficult, but don’t let the yardage fool you. The tight tree lined fairways and small sloped greens can take a toll on even the most patient golfers and make scoring very difficult. Shady Oaks is open to the public and has 4 sets of tees for varying skill levels. There is a pro shop and bar serving sandwiches, snacks and beverages.

Mendota Golf Course is an 18 hole semi-private golf course. Mendota Golf Club has been serving its members since 1928. After starting as a 9 hole course, MGC expanded to be an 18 hole course in 1994. Members and guests enjoy the golf and setting on the 140 acres of rolling hills. MGC features beautiful bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens. A large putting green and a chipping area are also located up by the clubhouse.

Welcome to Edgebrook Golf Course, your number one option for a round of golf in Sandwich, Illinois. Edgebrook Golf Course is located just west of the Chicagoland area, which allows us to offer a convenient location along with an uncrowded feeling of true serenity. In addition to a fantastic course, our facility also boasts two practice putting greens, one chipping green and fully-lighted driving ranges with all grass tees and six target greens. Here at Edgebrook we also offer season golf passes, lessons and special deals for your next golf outing.